Oil and Gas UK Environmental Legislation

Use of Chemicals - Consent Requirements

Under the new Offshore Chemical Regulations 2002, all chemicals (including drilling muds) require a consent to discharge. Chemicals used must be registered with CEFAS and selected through a risk based approach. Different permit applications are in place for drilling (PON15B), pipelines (PON15C), platforms (PON15D), decommissioning and well abandonment (PON15E), and workovers (PON15F).
	Timescale	Action Needed
	4 months		Identify chemical requirements and ensure all chemicals are registered with CEFAS (i.e. full HOCNF data set available).
			Undertake risk assessment and CHARM modelling for chemicals not on OSPAR PLONOR list. Substitute any chemicals designated as high risk to the environment.
			Prepare PON15 Chemical Permit application. If PON15 seeking direction or an ES has not been submitted, environmental information will also be required.
	6 weeks		Submit appropriate PON15 to DECC.
New or Modified Discharge

Key Compliance

			Use technology and other techniques to prevent or reduce chemical discharges.
			Ensure justification for use is given for all chemicals flagged for substitution. Encourage chemical suppliers to have programme in place to identify alternative chemicals.
			Monitor and record use and discharge of all chemicals. Report quantitites of chemicals used and dicharged to UKOOA EEMS Coordinator.
			Report any chemical spills to DECC using PON1